Book 4- 1968 (Michael Jackson)

Chapter 24- The Last Straw

                Chapter 24- The Last Straw

                Date: Thursday, November 7, 1968

                Time: 7:14PM

                MICHAEL'S POV

"Aw, cheer up, guys. You all, ya just seem to be down in the dumps over something. What is it that's bothering you?" Johnny shot a wry smile at no one in particular and slung an arm over my back. As I jumped out of shock, he continued his merry way. "You just look like you've aged a year, or maybe rolled out of bed after a restless night or something."

"Or something...: Kayla repeated, almost dreamily. She sat herself down at the table I was dozing at, and proceeded to do the same thing. Her arms folded together in napping position, and she rested her head down.

I took a couple seconds to observe her. It was clear that Kayla and I were... different, I suppose one could say. We were connected or related in some way. Not the blood relation, but another type, one beyond our understanding. I mean, stuff like falling asleep at the same time, on the same date doesn't happen with just anyone. Not to mention, she's my next-door neighbor and a best friend.

Maybe we're that thing... what's it called? Soul mates, I think? My mind spoke for me as one eyelid drooped down to closing. The other one began to fall after the first one closed, coming closer and closer to unconsciousness. I could nearly feel the whoosh of being transported to a dream somewhere. In all honesty, it was pure bliss.

Unfortunately, for Kayla and I, that pure bliss ended in a matter of seconds, The thunderous boom of two massive hands smacking together was enough of a shock to send me up a couple feet. Out of surprise, Kayla fell out of her seat, instantly opening her eyes and groaning in mild pain.

I rubbed my eyes sleepily. "Are you-" yawn- "okay?" 

She half nodded, probably too exhausted to do much more. "Mmmmmhmmmmmmmm..."

"Amen... amen."

"Kids!" Joseph yelped. "Get up, you don't want to get in trouble... Or do you?" He stared at me in particular. "Any smart-alec comments this time?"

 For once, I actually shook my head. "Nuh-uh..."

He wasn't convinced, of course, but it was feasible for him. "Mmkay. Oh, and also don't foget that we're comin' back to the High Chaparral Lounge on the twenty-second of December, and the nights will stretch down to the beginning of January. After that, I'm planning on booking-"

A sneeze interrupted Joseph's speech. He glared at the culprit, Kayla, and ceased to continue. After a brief moment of tapping his large, clumsy foot, he sighed. "C'mon, guys. Get up and get moving. We've still got ourselves some more practice. Remember that Janis Joplin song that everyone like so much at Mister Lucky's?"

I mumbled something that I didn't know the meaning to. Automatically, one eye closed, and the other eye followed seconds later. I slouched in my seat, beginning to feel comfortable, even while sitting upright. It just seemed so comfy, so warm, so inviting... It was as though I could just make my own personal bed out of the dining table and fall into a deep slumber.

"MICHAEL!"

For the third time, I snapped awake. I knew I was starting to get crabby, but I was just too beyond sleepy to even bother with anyone. All I wanted was to sleep. I thought that I knew what desire meant before Kayla came to town, but boy, this sleeping stuff really knows how to prove me wrong. I never desired anything more than just a place to lie down, cover up, and rest.